The Abia State Police Command has arrested 15 suspects and impounded 15 vehicles in a statewide operation aimed at enforcing vehicle registration laws and tackling the use of fake or altered number plates.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa.

According to the statement, the operation is being carried out in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and forms part of the command’s efforts to strengthen security across the state.

Chinaka explained that the enforcement exercise targets unregistered vehicles as well as vehicles bearing obscured, defaced, altered or illegally covered registration number plates.

She revealed that during the period under review, police operatives impounded 15 vehicles found to be in violation of vehicle registration and number plate regulations in different parts of Abia State.

The command also arrested 15 individuals linked to offences involving unregistered vehicles and improperly displayed or tampered registration plates.

Out of the cases recorded so far, nine have already been charged to court, while investigations into the remaining cases are still ongoing.

“Within the period under review, the Command successfully impounded a total of fifteen vehicles found violating vehicle registration and number plate regulations across various locations in the state,” the statement noted.

It added that all pending investigations would be concluded and the offenders prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa commended the professionalism and discipline displayed by officers participating in the operation, stressing that the exercise is designed to enhance public safety, support crime prevention efforts and prevent criminals from exploiting loopholes in vehicle identification systems.

He assured residents that all suspects arrested during the operation would be treated in accordance with constitutional provisions and their legal rights respected.

The police chief also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to transparency, professionalism and adherence to the rule of law throughout the enforcement exercise.

He encouraged members of the public to report any incidents of misconduct by officers through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit.

Isa further urged motorists and vehicle owners in the state to comply fully with vehicle registration requirements and ensure that their number plates are properly displayed, noting that the enforcement operation remains active across Abia.